White House says cannot confirm North Korean nuclear test

08:07 - 06 January 2016

Japan protests N.Korea test, to confer with US, S.Korea, Russia

Price said the United States will continue to "protect and defend our allies in the region," and will "respond appropriately to any and all North Korean provocations."

The White House said late on Tuesday that it could not confirm North Korea's claims that it had successfully conducted a test of a miniaturised hydrogen nuclear device, but it will continue to monitor the situation.

"While we cannot confirm these claims at this time, we condemn any violation of UNSC Resolutions and again call on North Korea to abide by its international obligations and commitments," said White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price in a statement.